Joan of Arc: The Lily Maid (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Robert Rayevsky (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Compared to Diane Stanley's intellectually challenging Joan of Arc or to Josephine Poole and Angela Barrett's ardent, spiritual Joan of Arc, Hodges's (Saint George and the Dragon) retelling of the saint's story seems flat. She sets out the main events of Joan's life, from Joan hearing the voice of Saint Michael to her stoic battles against the English to her trial and martyr's death. Hodges skips over much, relegating key informationAincluding the charges at Joan's trialAto an endnote. What makes this book worthwhile is Rayevsky's (Bernal & Florinda) suggestive, atmospheric art. Set into tall pages bordered by rules of scarlet, his printsAdry-point and etchingsAevoke medieval paintings and drawings. He stays away from the lavish style of such works as the Tr?s Riches Heures, and takes a relatively humble approach, more Bayeux Tapestry than ornate illuminated manuscript. His perspectives and modeling are generally flattened in a medieval style and his colors look muted or faded. While his compositions are not entirely consistent in their appropriation of medieval conventions, they successfully convey the flavor, and their restraint and modesty draw attention to Joan's identity as a peasant girl who became a hero of the people. Ages 6-10. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4 Recently, there have been several picture books and at least one novel about Joan of Arc; Hodges's retelling of the famous story can claim a niche as a first introduction to this most famous French heroine to a younger age group. The brief narrative includes only the most familiar incidents and anecdotes of Joan's life in skillfully structured language that is clear and understandable. Like the text, Rayevsky's illustrations are reduced to essentials. Delicately drawn etchings with subdued coloration, inspired by medieval manuscripts, are placed within bordered rectangles of varied size. They perfectly match the quiet, explanatory tone of the writing. The only alterations to the legendary story occur with the banner carried by Joan, said here to display the royal lilies of France (thus her name of the Lily Maid) rather than the sign of the Virgin Mary, and all mentions of angels and God are in the mind and heart of Joan or are attributed to the popular piety of the time. In contrast, Josephine Poole's Joan of Arc (Knopf, 1998) is the story of Joan's sainthood as an instrument of God. Diane Stanley's Joan of Arc (Morrow, 1998), written for upper grades, tells of Joan's role in French history. Hodges's emphasis is on Joan's faith and determined leadership, giving this narrative the underlying theme of a young woman's courage in a time of war and brutality. The story stands alone for its adventure and values, but an author's note gives background details of the 15th-century war in which Joan took part. Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823414248
• ISBN-13: 978-0823414246
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #65,188 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Story of Bravery, March 6, 2002

By A Customer

This book was about the brave life of a french peasant Joan d'(of) Arc. The story explains how the voices of god (angels and saints) told her that she was the one who needed to save France. Knowing that the king of France would not take a women seriously much less a peasant Joan cleverly disguised herself as a male and goes to confront the king. Impressed with Joan he gave her an army and a horse and told her to defend her country against England. Joan bravely led her troops in the name of god and his messenger. Soon after her charge on the English Joan was captured and put on trial for her charades and was sentenced to death by burning on the stakes. No one took this women seriously, much less believe that she had been chosen by god to fight for his message. After her death Joan was deemed a saint and forever known as the brave Saint Joan d' Arc.
I like the authors way of simply telling the story. The pictures in the book vividly displayed emotion and showed the trial wonderfully. Depicting the judges anger, the juries humor and Joan's undying passion and courage. The author shared with the readers the courage Joan had. Inviting the readers to fight for what they believe in and never give up on their values no matter what. A wonderful story of bravery and courage.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Illustrations that beautifully bring the story home!, November 28, 2001

By	Carla C. Jameson "cjtoys" (Wilmington, DE United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was impressed with the look of this book as much as with the content. Both the author and the illustrator have created a lovely retelling of the story of Joan! And when my, then 6 year old, daughter brought it home from her school library, I could see her spark of interest in St. Joan coming to life. One year later, she brought up the notion of finding this book again. She hadn't seen it since the one time she had checked it out at school, last year. That is what convinced me to purchase it for our home library. It trully is a book you'll want to read and look at over and over!